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Driver Suspected Of DUI In Gnarly 5-Car Crash In Mid-City
Five people are in critical condition after a suspected DUI driver crashed into four other cars in Mid-City on Wednesday.
The five-car crash occurred around 6 p.m. in the 5800 block of Venice Boulevard, not too far from Fairfax Avenue, according to City News Service. A woman driving a Nissan Altima was going westbound on Venice when her car sideswiped another vehicle, then went over the median and crashed into three other cars going in the opposite direction. CBS Los Angeles reports that firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to get one of the injured people out of a vehicle.
The woman, as well as four other people—three men and one woman—were taken to a hospital, Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department told City News Service. The driver of the Nissan Altima had the most serious injuries from everyone involved in the crash, and had to undergo surgery for life-threatening injuries, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Photos from the crash show the seriously-damaged cars, where it appears that the entire front end of one of the sedans was crushed. A black sedan was up on a sidewalk.
The Nissan Altima driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and possibly drugs, Lt. Andre Belotto of the LAPD's West Traffic Division told City News Service.
Damages to the cars in the Mid-City crash (Photo courtesy of Bryan Duckworth)
5800 blk Venice LAFD working 4 car crash with 3 people trapped. 3yr old girl 1 of the victims. @KCBSKCALDesk pic.twitter.com/5KbW55VLn5
— stu mundel (@Stu_Mundel) August 20, 2015